Chapter XV The Tropical Island Paradise of Buracai, plus lessons in history

Just a skip away from Schwertsheim's coast lies a lush tropical paradise, a grand slice of heaven known as the Buracai Archipelago. It's a celebrity in the vacation and honeymoon realm, like that island in a rom-com where characters fall in love while sipping coconut water. Picture it: the crown jewel is Buracai Island itself, sitting right in the middle like it's the archipelago's MVP. In the east, we've got the Capital City named Summerfall, a bit like a postcard come to life. Now, get this: a fancy bridge connects it to the western side of Adler Island, where you'll find Fort Adler – oh, and some pint-sized fishing villages.

Don't think the show ends there; we've got more headliners. Think of Canigao, a little island that's got its own Duke – they call the shots in Conchberg. Then there's Kalanggaman, and they're throwing their weight around in Eyriesands. Higatangan? Yep, they're the boss in Navalsburg. Oh, and we've got Sambawan too, with Amfurrow Hill as their throne. Each of these spots is a Duchy, running their own show and soaking up that island breeze.

But it's on the Main Island where the party's at – kinda like Tandaya, but with an extra dose of sunshine. It's like they picked up the festivities from Tandaya and planted them right here. Weddings, honeymoons – if you're in the business of love and celebration, you're at home here. Now, who's running the show? Well, the Nethermores are taking care of things, swanning in from Tandaya's Maghaii Duchy. They brought the whole Tandaya vibe with them – endless celebrations and all. And guess what? You've got Imperial troops strutting around in Fort Adler III, keeping things in check under the watchful eye of the Al-Sahaab March Lord. This bunch hails from the Vaccaii Dukedom, keeping the peace and adding some aristocratic charm.

So, why'd I pull up on these sandy shores? Well, after I did the dirty work for the agency – you know, "delivering" that special package as evidence at the Bailiwick's Tailor Shop – I figured I could use some R&R. Time to soak up the sun, shake off the tension, and enjoy what Buracai has to offer. Oh, let me tell you about how I soaked in the vibes of Aigleterre, kicking back and having a jolly good time with my crew at the Drunk Tikbalang Inn. You know, since I'm in that glorious "no-missions" limbo, the Valhalla gang hasn't hit me up yet, so I thought, why not make the most of this free pass? I'm all about seizing the day and jetting off wherever my heart fancies. So, this time around, my radar was beeping for tropical island vibes, and the Buracai archipelago just popped up in my mind like it had a big neon sign.

Now, let me tell you, these islands are all about that chill life. Think hammocks, coconuts, and the kind of romance that usually comes with heartwarming movies. The archipelago's superstar is Buracai Island, and if it were a person, it'd be the life of the party. Right smack in the middle of the action, it's got a capital city called Summerfall. Oh, the name matches the vibes – imagine a castle in the center, and all around it, a bustling town that's big enough to give a cozy home to around a thousand visitors. Now that's some prime real estate for tourism, and it's the crown jewel of the country's economy.

You know, what really floats my boat are those hotels. They've got rooms with all sorts of themes – the perfect setting for couples to create some of those unforgettable intimate moments. And you're in for a treat because unlike Aigleterre City, where the booze is a no-go, you can raise a glass in most taverns here. Well, it's a bit different when you venture into the Archduchies or the capital of Aigleterre. But hey, each of these places has its own set of rules; it's like a whole galaxy of different vibes under one banner.

So, let me give you the grand tour of this island paradise, and then how about we continue our chat over a good ol' bucket of the finest liquor in one of the taverns I've got set up here? Oh yeah, you heard that right, I've got a slice of tavern heaven here, and I just snagged it yesterday. Figured it's way smarter to own a place rather than playing the renting game. Haha! So, here's the scoop – I've got the keys to the Pearl of the Orient Hotel, the crown jewel of Buracai's hospitality scene. Bought it from a local Zhongguo native named Willfjord Wong.

But before we dive into my newest business venture, let me spill the beans about Buracai's layout. Picture six lush islands all cozied up together. Now, about half of the big island is like one massive beach party. And they've even got this heart-shaped island just off the coast, perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots and all that jazz. Back in the day, they had this funky rule where only married couples could explore the whole archipelago, leaving the poor singles stuck on the mainland. The idea was to give tourism a boost, but let's just say they quickly realized it was more of a buzzkill than a boost.

Alright, buckle up for a bit of history mixed with juicy details about Buracai! So, this tropical wonderland is spread across six heavenly islands, lounging just off the shores of Batavia. But get this: it wasn't always its own boss. Back in the day, it was just a nook under Batavia's wing. But then, this little paradise flexed its political muscles and put in a request at the Imperial Court, asking for the freedom to govern itself. And you know what? They got it! They became this swanky self-governing territory, headed by a bigwig Marquis.

But hold your horses, the story doesn't end there. Recently, the Imperial Court played Santa and upgraded Buracai's status to a Grand Duchy. That means now it's all about Grand Dukes and high-society vibes. Our star of the show is none other than Zandrus Nethermore, ruling from the rocking seat of power – Summerfall. And if you take a stroll over to Adler Island, you'll find Fort Adler III, where Lord Eidgardius Al-Sahaab is the top dog. It's like this interconnected island realm, with a bridge connecting Summerfall to Adler Island. This place ain't just a pretty face; it's also got a fort that's basically the Empire's first line of defense for the whole southeast region. Imagine, a bunch of knights bunking up there and a seaport that hosts both military and commercial ships. It's like the guardian of these tropical gems.

Now, let's zoom in on the Main Island up north. This is where you'll find the locals living the good life in peace. And guess what? Mother Nature decided to gift them with some postcard-worthy volcano-created views. Perfect for lovebirds looking for some picturesque romance! And speaking of love, there's this Love Island, but to get there, you gotta traverse Ocean Island first. Once you're on Love Island, brace yourself for some local tales about a legendary trail that adventurers used to gallivant on. The catch? It's supposedly all sealed up now. But hey, who knows? Maybe you're the one who'll unravel the mystery behind these whispers. Haha, the intrigue is real!

Alright, gather 'round for a tale that's part history, part myth, and all about the island's mystical vibes. So, about a whopping 100,000 years ago, Aphrodite – yeah, the goddess of love and all that jazz – was on a mission to rid the world of suffering. She was all hearts and roses, trying to make the universe a better place, but let's face it, suffering is like that pesky fly that just won't buzz off. So, despite Aphrodite's superhero-level efforts, she couldn't quite zap away all the pain.

Here's where it gets interesting. Aphrodite's own heart started to get a bit, well, heavy. The whole "saving the world" gig took a toll, and she decided to go all dramatic – she ripped out her own heart! Like, whoa. And then, she did this dramatic banishment thing and locked her heart away in a deep, dark icy place smack in the middle of the ocean. Her idea was that nobody would disturb her heart, and she could finally chill (pun intended) without the weight of the world on her shoulders.

But, guess what? Aphrodite's heart was still all warm and fuzzy, even in its icy prison. So, it started melting away the glacier, and bam! Islands started sprouting up like flowers in spring. A whole chain of 'em, and you know what that means – enter Buracai! At least, that's what those tourist pamphlets tell us. It's like they're spinning this magical lore to lure in the visitors, and hey, it works like a charm. I mean, who wouldn't want to vacation on islands birthed from a goddess's broken heart? And that heart-melting-the-glacier bit? Classic marketing material, if you ask me. You gotta hand it to 'em – weaving tales can reel in the wanderlust crowd.

Now, let's talk about Emperor Jacques Ulster V, a ruler who's got more than a dash of wisdom in his crown. As the officiator of wedding ceremonies across Avalon, he saw the need for a place where newlyweds could escape to for some romantic alone time. And so, the idea of Buracai as a lover's haven was born. But, let's not kid ourselves – a savvy ruler like Jacques knows that a romantic paradise can also mean big bucks for the Empire's coffers. But hey, he's not just about coin-counting. This emperor is like a mix of kindness, generosity, and a dash of shrewdness. A well-rounded ruler, you could say.

Alright, so picture this – back when the Muspelheimr-Asgardian War was causing a real cosmic ruckus, Aphrodite had this genius idea. She wanted to shield Buracai from all that war craziness, so she went all mystical and hid the place away. It was like her secret hideout for the island, you know? So, while the gods and fiery giants duked it out in their mythological showdown, Buracai was chilling out in its own little bubble of protection.

Fast forward a bit, and who comes along to rediscover this hidden paradise? None other than the Batavian Knights, some years after that whole war gig wrapped up. Those knights stumbled upon Buracai and were probably like, "Whoa, where did this gem come from?" Imagine their awe as they stumbled upon this beautiful tropical paradise that Aphrodite had tucked away. It's like finding buried treasure, but the treasure is an entire island. Epic discovery vibes, if you ask me.

But hey, let's shake off the water and sand, shall we? Time to head back to the hotel – oh, you didn't realize I was floating around in the sea, did you? Haha, I guess I was lost in the whole storytelling thing. Now, let's make a beeline for the Pearl of the Orient's bar. I'm in need of a good drink and some lively company. Cheers to a good story and even better times ahead!

Alright, hold onto your seat because I'm about to spill the tea on Avalon – and I mean the hottest, most current tea you'll find. Way back in the ancient times, when knights were shiny and dragons were less extinct, Avalon wasn't just Avalon – it was The Kingdom of Albion. And guess where it nestled itself? Right smack dab in the center of the colossal Avalon Continent. But that's not even the coolest part yet. Brace yourself for this nugget of awesome history: it was founded by a league of seven legendary warriors, and these folks weren't your average "sit by the campfire and tell tall tales" kind of legendary. Nah, they went big and took down none other than Jormungandr, that colossal serpent from Norse mythology. And here's the kicker – their bloodline, that warrior heritage, has evolved into the seven Royal Families that now hold the reins of power in the Empire. Talk about a legacy, right?

Okay, now let's zone in on the heart of this grandeur, the buzzing City of Aigleterre. It's like the beehive of the whole operation. But, of course, there's more to the story. This bustling hive is divided into eight distinct zones, which they affectionately call "districts" or "boroughs'' for some posh flair. Seven of these are the Archduchies – fancy-speak for territories lorded over by the seven top-tier imperial families. Yeah, you read that right – these big-shot clans each have their own slice of the pie, their own corner of the sandbox to play in. And let me tell you, it's a mix of power, prestige, and a touch of good ol' aristocratic rivalry.

Don't blink yet, because we're not done. There's that eighth district – the core of it all, where all the official business goes down, like bureaucrats doing their thing, filling out paperwork, and looking important.

Now, get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the Archduchies. We've got the Ulsters holding down the fort in Dún Dealgan Motte, the Borjigins reigning over Avarga, the Pendragons shining bright in Camelot, the Umayyads ruling Damascus et Cordova, the Lothbroks claiming Nordheathenstadt, the Al-Shahnamehs standing tall in Rodastahm, and the Merovingians taking charge in Francosalia. These are like the power hubs, each with its own unique flavor, history, and family drama – just like a royal reality show, minus the camera crew.

But we're not done yet. Buckle up for the Albion Fields Crown Lands. These are the other patches on the Avalon quilt, and they're under the Empire's umbrella. Think of spots like the mystical Labyrinth Woods, Saint Kerelina's domains, the vibrant realms of Cymry and Kornwelsch, the wild landscapes of Hibernia and Caledonia, the peaks and valleys of The Valkyrie Hills, and the far-reaching Southern Borderlands. These aren't your average vacation spots – they're all threads in the grand tapestry of Avalon. And guess what? They're managed by a bunch of wardens – rulers who've pledged their loyalty to the Emperor and the Adamantean Table. It's like a network of high-stakes Monopoly games, but with kingdoms instead of properties.

So there you have it, the whirlwind tour of Avalon – a land of legends, archdukes, bureaucrats, and the occasional dragon or two. Just remember, when you're navigating through the districts and territories, keep your wits about you, because in the game of power and politics, the players don't play nice. Welcome to Avalon, where the tea is as strong as the medieval mead and the drama's as old as the castles themselves!

Whew, you've just taken a crash course in Avalon's 101, so kudos to you for sticking through the history, the drama, and the intrigue! Now, let's dive into the secret society of wardens and how they roll. Picture this: these wardens, they're the big shots who keep the Albion Fields Crown Lands in line, and they've got this swanky title – Count. It's like they're playing a game of regal Monopoly, and these Crown Lands? They're the properties they're juggling, each with its own flavor and quirks. And right smack dab in the heart of each of these territories, you'll find their capital towns, the nerve centers of their rule – like their batcaves, but without the capes and gadgets. So, let's break it down, one count at a time, just like those Albion Fields Crown Lands I was chatting about earlier:

Alright, let's kick things off with Leafville, where Count Ric Snekfjord holds court. If you're wondering, yes, "Snekfjord" does sound like a mix between a snake and a fjord, and honestly, it's a vibe. Next in line, we've got the formidable Fort Saint Krizzaline, where Countess Kerin diPalazzio wears the crown. Now, here's a curveball – Paintgarden, and it's under the command of Count Paulus von Topaz. Yep, you read that right – he's got the "von" in his name, which automatically bumps up the aristocracy level. Swordstone struts its stuff next, and Countess Mary ben Yeshua is the queen of the castle here. And who could forget Eastcliff? Count Bernhard von Mouselee keeps his watchful eye over this spot, making sure things stay interesting. Heading over to Altopalo, it's Count Reynard Coriley calling the shots – and if you're wondering if he's related to our queen of the MuBetz Crew, you're onto something. Fort Suanhild, the fortress of power, is under the guidance of none other than Countess Nealyam Al-Rozzid. And, last but certainly not least, we've got Schweinsborough, where Count Harrison de Costodi is the head honcho, running the show.

So there you have it – the warden's roll call in Avalon's Crown Lands. It's like a medieval superhero team, with each count bringing their unique flair to the party. Remember, when you're traversing these territories, it's like diving into a realm of noble intrigue, epic landscapes, and enough titles to make your head spin. Time to explore, my friend, and may the odds be ever in your favor as you navigate the politics, power plays, and maybe even uncover a dragon or two along the way!

Now, let's dip our toes into some Avalon history – and trust me, this story is a wild ride, so fasten your seatbelts. So, picture this: back in the days when King Tsarbatusain was calling the shots, the Kingdom had its eye on the Geistheim Estates, nestled in the northeastern nook of the Avalon Continent. These lands originally belonged to the Elven Kingdom of Gefjun, but Avalon had other plans.

Now, hold onto your hats because things took a crazy turn. It was like a medieval soap opera waiting to happen. A full-blown civil war erupted, and let me tell you, it was no tea party. You see, the exiled Al-Shahnamehs – these guys weren't exactly thrilled with King Tsarbatusain's eccentric rule – decided they'd had enough. They joined forces with some other disgruntled aristocrats, sounding the battle horn for rebellion.

The mother of all clashes went down in none other than Paintgarden, the Cymry stronghold. The Al-Shahnamehs showed King Tsarbatusain's forces who was boss and walked away with the victory laurels. But hold onto your armor, because that wasn't the end of the saga. Nope, there was another epic showdown in the cards – the Battle of Swordstone, right in the Kornwelsch stronghold. Here, Gregor von Ulster – and get this, he was Tsarbatusain's own cousin – led his troops in a bold march on Schweinsborough. This fortress was the heart of action for the Southern Borderlands. With sheer determination and more sword-swinging than you can shake a lance at, they booted Tsarbatusain's Royal Forces to the curb. That, my friend, was the turning point. Geistheim, once a renegade state, suddenly became Tsarbatusain's swanky new headquarters for a whopping two decades. Talk about a royal rollercoaster!

Alright, let me set the stage for you, and trust me, this tale's got more twists and turns than a labyrinth. So, just imagine: right in the midst of the Orcish Revolt, the Geistheim Authorities saw an opportunity and thought, "Well, why don't we dive right into this chaos?" They decided to strike a deal with none other than Bornok, the Orc King, and brought him onboard their scheme. But they weren't about to stop there; oh no, they had bigger plans in store.

Not content with just one ally, they decided to spice things up even more. They reached out to those Goblin tribes that were having a grand old time in the Gobelin Foret – yep, those little critters who loved causing mischief. And just when you thought that was enough, they ventured deeper into the woods to court the Faoladhs residing in the Loupbosquet Forest. These creatures were like majestic wolf-human hybrids, and they weren't to be trifled with.

So, what did the Geistheim Authorities do? They unleashed their silver tongues and convinced both the Goblin King and the Faoladh King to jump on the bandwagon. The goal? None other than sparking the infamous First Orcish Wars, those series of skirmishes that had everyone in the region on high alert. It was like a giant potluck dinner, except instead of casseroles and pies, they were bringing armies to the battlefield.

Oh boy, brace yourself for this one, because it was a royal mess. Those Goblins and Faoladhs, they took a beating like they'd accidentally walked into a cyclone of chaos, and it wasn't pretty. You see, there was this Warlock character, a real Haze Vermillion, who held the reins over the Bretagne Guild. Now, this guy, he had a few tricks up his magical sleeves, and one of them was a spell that was nothing short of apocalyptic – the Maelstrom Oracion.

Picture this spell as if it was a move straight out of a video game, a combo move that had you frantically mashing buttons. When Haze Vermillion unleashed it, it was like a supernatural blender gone wild. Spells were flying left and right, spells with names that sounded like they came from the darkest corners of some spellbook – Infernal Chaos, which earned its name thanks to the sheer pandemonium that followed, Hellish Firestorm, and Heavens Retribution. It was a real magical mosh pit, and the casualties were none other than those poor Goblins and Faoladhs who had dared to lay siege on Bretagne. Yep, it was a tough break for them, to say the least.

Oh, you won't believe the twists and turns in this story, my friend. Tsarbatusain, always the cunning schemer, managed to dupe these folks into joining the war, and he had a deviously clever plan up his royal sleeve. See, he had his beady eyes locked on the Geistheim Outskirts, and he was absolutely obsessed with the idea of getting his grubby hands on something known as the Soul of Ymir. Now, this wasn't just any old trinket; it was said to be buried deeper than a dwarf's treasure hoard - presumably been stolen by the Elves, way down below the Torre de Salamanca. You've got to admit, these folks were playing a high-stakes game here, and it sounds like a wild blend of epic fantasy and a heist movie plot, doesn't it?

Now, let's dive headfirst into this crazy tale. Things took a seriously dicey turn after that escapade involving the Soul of Ymir. It kicked off the Geistheim Wars, and Tsarbatusain was pulling all sorts of shady moves to get what he wanted. With the help of Dwarves and a bunch of hired Orc mercenaries, he somehow managed to get his royal mitts on that elusive Soul of Ymir. Crafty, right? But hold onto your hat, because here's where the real drama kicks in.

The Elven Warlocks of Gefjun weren't about to let Tsarbatusain's shenanigans slide, oh no! They could see the storm brewing on the horizon, and they knew they needed some reinforcements, pronto. So, they sent out a desperate call for aid, and who did they turn to? Well, none other than the folks from Albion, believe it or not. But, here's the kicker – time wasn't exactly on their side. By the time Gregor's forces – and when I say Gregor, I'm talking about Gregor von Ulster, Tsarbatusain's own cousin – came rolling in to lend a hand, Gefjun was already deep in the throes of a full-blown catastrophe.

Now, these Elven Warlocks were packing some serious magic mojo. They managed to pull off an incredible feat, locking away that troublesome Soul of Ymir with a little something called the Emerald of Titania. Picture this – it was a spell of epic proportions that buried that relic way, way underground, thousands of feet below the surface. But, hey, it wasn't all doom and gloom. The surviving Elves joined forces with Gregor's troops to serve the Geistheim invaders a much-needed beatdown.

Now, don't get me wrong, this battle wasn't a walk in the park. Oh no, it was brutal, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. Humans, Elves, Orcs, Dwarves – you name it, they all suffered. And this clash of titans raged on for a grueling four months. But here's where the story takes a legendary twist. Gregor pulled off a move that's still talked about to this day. He shattered through the formidable walls of Geistkonigstadt, which, by the way, was the heart of the enemy's territory, and he routed the last remnants of Tsarbatusain's Royal Army. With no other option on the table, the Geistheim crew had to hoist the white flag, leading to a rather reluctant conditional surrender.

Now, hold onto your hats because this tale is about to take a wild turn that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew. Just when it seemed like things were settling down, Geistheim threw everyone a curveball. Picture this: the city was getting back on its feet, the dust was settling, and hope was on the horizon. But then, out of nowhere, demons descended upon Geistheim, turning it into a nightmarish wasteland. The survivors of this supernatural catastrophe had a spine-chilling story to tell. They claimed that a sinister force, none other than the infamous Evil Lord Czernobog, had emerged from the shadows. And brace yourself for this shocker – he had taken over Tsarbatusain's body as his unholy vessel. That's right – Tsarbatusain went from being a tyrannical ruler to becoming a demonic pawn, and this marked a turning point that would forever alter the destiny of Geistheim.

Now, let's fast forward a bit to a year after the mind-blowing war, and oh boy, you won't believe what's in store. Avalon decided to flex its imperial muscles. The war had not only shaken things up but had practically doubled the country in size, giving it that "now we're talking" kind of vibe. This enormous expansion set the stage for something monumental – Avalon was officially on the fast track to becoming an empire.

But wait, there's more. About a year post-war, Avalon made a major power move. They annexed the remaining scraps of Gefjun that were hanging around in Nordheathenstadt, and they named it the Londinium Accord. Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. Johannes Geist, that Warlock who teamed up with Gregor in the heat of battle, became a bonafide legend. He swooped in and did something truly epic – he founded Londinium, a city that quite literally rose from the ashes of Gefjun. But that's not all. Johannes didn't stop there; he rolled up his sleeves and took on the Herculean task of rebuilding the mighty Torre de Salamanca. And guess what? He earned himself the illustrious title of the first Viceroy of Brythonia. Fancy, right? And if that wasn't enough, he went all out and became the Grandmaster of Londinium's Institute of Magic, sealing his status as a true powerhouse in Avalon's new era.

But wait, Johannes wasn't finished yet – he had an entire master plan cooking. He managed to reel in those former territories of Gefjun, including the enigmatic Loupbosquet Forest, and the downright peculiar Gobelin Foret. Oh, and who could forget Geistheim? That Orcadia Territorium was thrown into the mix too. Johannes donned his diplomatic hat and convinced these territories to sign peace treaties that were tougher than a suit of armor. To add some extra oomph to his strategy, he fortified their lands with some top-of-the-line fortresses – say hello to Fort Orcley, Fort Caniston, and Fort Hobgob. This move, however, stirred up a real cocktail of emotions, especially since it seemed like they were growing rather fond of their grudge against us humans.

But here's where things get absolutely mind-blowing. Johannes executed a maneuver that was nothing short of sheer madness – he sealed those pesky demons right within the walls of Geistheim. That's right, you heard me correctly. Even the infamous Evil Lord Czernobog found himself on the wrong side of the barricade. However, these demons weren't exactly the "let's all get along" type, so they were securely locked away. Johannes took it a step further by constructing a fortress right there, just to make sure they stayed put. In the end, the decision was made – the demons and Evil Lord Czernobog, party of one, were all safely tucked away within the confines of Geistheim.

Fast forward 70 years, and the action in Avalon was still hotter than a dragon's breath. Enter Marquis Thames McOtto, Baronet extraordinaire, who had a vision – he wanted to build a city! So, what did he do? He waved his mighty administrative wand and conjured up Hafenstadt, a shiny new city on a peninsula overlooking Hy Breasail Island, essentially roping it into the Empire under his benevolent rule. Before you knew it, his domain got a serious upgrade to Grand Duchy status, now known as Schwertsheim. And believe it or not, in just three short years, he had Schwertsheim looking as prosperous as a kingdom of gold – the place was thriving like a lively tavern on a Saturday night.

But Marquis Thames wasn't content with just twiddling his thumbs – he had bigger plans. He spearheaded the construction of a spanking new seaport in Schwertsheim, a versatile hub for both military and commercial activities. And he didn't stop there. Oh no, he decided it was high time to birth the Avalon Imperial Navy, an armada ready to give those pesky pirates a taste of their own medicine. This move left Baronet Legin Zeun feeling a bit envious, and he decided to one-up the game by founding the Avalon Imperial Air Force. Hold onto your hat, because this guy managed to amass an impressive thirty airships! With this aerial advantage, the Empire went on an annexation spree, gobbling up smaller kingdoms left, right, and center, expanding like it was on a mission to fill every nook and cranny of the map.

Alright, folks, let's dive headfirst into the next chapter of this epic tale. So, imagine this: it's been a good five years since our main man, Marquis Thames, worked his magic. Now, hold onto your hats, because King Xerxes Al-Miraj decided it was high time to put a ring on it. But this wasn't your run-of-the-mill fairy tale wedding – nope, it was a power move, a marriage of states that would shake the very foundations of the land. Why, you might wonder? Well, get ready for a twist that could rival the best plot twists in history: the Desert Kingdom joined forces with Avalon. That's right, folks, the Act of Union was in full swing, and it brought Albion, Brythonia, Schwertsheim, and Alsahra all under one colossal banner – the mighty Empire of Avalon. Now that's what you call some serious unity.

Now, fast forward a decade, and this empire was still riding high on its wave of expansion. They were conquering new territories like it was nobody's business. But here's where things get interesting. While they were all gung-ho about exploring fresh horizons beyond the imposing Gungnir Mountains up north, they kind of hit the brakes when it came to Vornehmruhe. As for the nitty-gritty details of why they put the brakes on that expedition, well, my friends, that's still a mystery waiting to be unraveled.

Now, let's switch gears to the world of construction. The empire was like a tornado of building activity, leaving no stone unturned. They set up shop and established not one, not two, but a grand total of six towns that they later upgraded to the prestigious status of Duchies. Oh, but the building bonanza didn't stop there – they also threw in four minor military outposts and topped it off with two major military bases for good measure. These folks were on a roll, and they meant business!

So, let's talk about these towns that hit the big time by becoming Duchies. We've got Rockford, Bayside, Salton, Sharpsteel, and the crowning jewel of them all, the illustrious City of Beesburg. Wait, did you say Beesburg? You heard it right! That's the hometown of none other than Marquis Dianara Jiara Al-Beru, and it got a serious promotion – it went from being just a regular territory to a full-blown Grand Duchy. Talk about a glow-up!

Now, let's shift our focus to those military outposts. There were four of them, to be exact – Fort Brighamshire, Fort Jaegerstadt, Fort Snakeston, and Fort Gangsterrun. Each of these outposts was like a powerhouse, led by a March Lord, also known as Marquises. And then, we've got the big guns – the two major military bases. First in line, we have the Emperor Spencer Al-Shahnameh Military Base, strategically positioned on the eastern side of Vornehmruhe, right by the imposing Gungnir Mountain Range. And next up, we've got the Emperor Quailer von Borjigin Military Base, holding down the fort on the western side of the Gungnir Mountain Range, with its sights set on Nordenbergwald. And here's the kicker – both of these colossal bases were under the command of some heavyweight Marquis.

So there you have it – the empire's expanding, flexing its muscles, and rewriting the map like there's no tomorrow. Talk about one heck of an adventure!

Alright, folks, gather 'round for a tale of squabbles and disputes that turned into full-blown epic clashes! So, picture this: we're in a land where territory disputes are like the bread and butter of politics. Our star player in this story is none other than an Aigleterrean Mastersmith named Llessur Leggman. This crafty character decides to shake things up and founds the City of Bargeldstadt – the crowning jewel of what we now call the Batavian March. Hold up, it's not just a March anymore – this baby got upgraded to a full-fledged Grand Duchy later on. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Now, the twist comes in when this city's located in a piece of land that's caught in a tug-of-war between Alsahra and Joseon. It's like a real-life game of "finders, keepers," and everyone's pointing fingers. But guess what? Alsahra's joined the big unity party, so Albion's like, "Hey, we're responsible adults now, let's settle this." And settle it they did, in a way only an empire can – they founded a whole new March right smack in that disputed territory. Yeah, it's Alsahra's exclave in the southeast corner of the Avalon Continent.

But, hold onto your hats, because this is where things get really interesting. The tension escalates, and the result? Boom, the Great Eastern War! This was a grand showdown between the Empire of Avalon and the Kingdom of Joseon. The stakes? Well, they couldn't be higher – it was a fight to the finish, and spoiler alert, it didn't end too well for the Morningcalm Line, the Royal Family of Joseon. Those royals met their unfortunate end in the midst of this chaotic clash.

Remember that City of Bargeldstadt we mentioned earlier? Well, it wasn't just standing there looking pretty. It became a centerpiece in the empire's moves. Plus, a bunch of far-off islands – La Isla de Tortuga, Ile de Brouillard, and Shipwreck Isle (yes, where that Fallen Batavian Ship decided to run aground) – all got bundled up through one Imperial Decree. The outcome? A brand-new kid on the block, the March of Batavia. And guess who's at the helm? None other than our crafty Mastersmith turned Lord, Llessur Leggman. But that's not the end of the story.

Fast-forward a bit, and the empire's on the move again. This time, they've got their eyes set on Joseon. They swoop in, annex the kingdom, and in the aftermath of the clash, a new ruler emerges – Decker Lonewalker. This guy's got some serious bends in his knees, and he's all about pledging allegiance to King Creed Pendragon. The result? The rise of the Lonewalker Dynasty in the newly acquired Kingdom of Joseon.

And there you have it, folks, a tale of territorial tiffs, epic battles, and power shifts that's straight out of the history books. But remember, this is just the tip of the adventure iceberg. Stay tuned for more tales from the Avalon Chronicles!

Alright, gather 'round for another juicy slice of Avalon's history – and let me tell you, this one's a wild ride! So, imagine this: the empire, flexing its Alsahran muscles, decided to invade the Duchies in the sunny Southwestern corner of the Avalon Continent. They're like, "Hey, let's bring these little kingdoms together and make them a big Grand Duchy!" And just like that, Tandaya is born, a brand-new slice of the empire pie.

But wait, there's more! Up north, a place called Mairete was discovered – sounds like an adventure waiting to happen, right? The empire swept in and said, "Guess what? You're part of the club now!" Mairete's crowned as a Grand Duchy under the House of von Niederkonigreich. These folks were handing out ducal lands like it's Christmas, to nobles who helped make things happen. It's like, "You get some land, you get some land, everyone gets some land!"

Meanwhile, Vornehmruhe and Yulesbergen – sounds fancy, right? Well, they had a chat with the empire and said, "Hey, can we join the fun too?" The empire, in its wisdom, said, "Sure thing!" Vornehmruhe gets the grand treatment and becomes a Grand Duchy – but hold your horses, there's a twist. It's like a Viceroyalty deal where whoever's calling the shots at Londinium's Institute of Magic gets to be the boss of Brythonia. And let's not forget about Yulesbergen. This place, once a client state, gets a promotion too! The House Zimboreas steps in, and they're now in charge of this Grand Duchy. But wait, it gets even better – the ruler? None other than the legendary Phantom Tracker known across Midgard as the Blizzard Queen.

So there you have it, friends, a saga of empire-expanding adventures, grand duchies sprouting up like mushrooms, and legendary rulers taking the helm. And trust me, this is just a peek into the grand tapestry of Avalon's history. So buckle up, because there's plenty more where that came from!

Alright, let's break it down – the Empire of Avalon is like this big melting pot of different pieces, kind of like a puzzle made from all these kingdoms, duchies, and even the local chiefs of various tribes. It's like they all decided to join hands and say, "Hey, let's be one big happy family!"

Now, I could totally dive into the nitty-gritty details of the Major and Minor Royal Houses in Avalon, but hey, I'll save that for the appendix section, alright? I mean, there's only so much historical stuff one can handle in a single sitting, am I right? Haha!

And guess what? I've hit a point where my eyes are glazing over reading Elocin Euqilegna's super-duper comprehensive history of how Avalon's boundaries grew and shifted over time. I mean, it's like trying to read the entire dictionary – sure, it's informative, but it's not exactly a page-turner. So, you know what? I'm gonna put a pin in it and save more history talk for later. Vacation mode activated! Haha!